Lake Ferguson July 20 BFL all hinges on water level
There’s a saying with most rivers – you follow the fall and run from the rise. Well, if the forecast for the Lake Ferguson Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Mississippi Division tournament on July 20 holds true, there will be plenty of big weights following.
Tournament details
Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Mississippi Division
Lake Ferguson
Greenville, Miss.
July 20
About the fishery
While most lake fishing in the South happens in manmade reservoirs, Lake Ferguson deviates from the norm in that it’s an oxbow lake off the Mississippi River. And a small one, at that, at only 1,400 acres with normal water levels.
However, while Fergsuon may be the launch site, there’s plenty of water for BFL anglers to roam, as going out onto the big river offers pros the chance to run north or south to a myriad of other oxbows, such as Lake Chicot to the south or the cluster of oxbow lakes near Lake Whittington to the north.
Ultimately, the biggest thing is the water levels, as rising water can open up lakes that are inaccessible at low or normal levels, but can also spread fish out in acres of new cover. Meanwhile, falling water can shrink the lakes but make fishing far better.
What to expect
As mentioned, all eyes are on the water levels, and right now, it’s looking good.
“They can project water levels 30 days out,” says local pro Lloyd Pickett Jr. “It’s supposed to rise a bit and then start falling right come the tournament. It does that, and the bite should be on.”
Of course, Pickett Jr. warned it can be rising in one section of river and falling in another, which is what makes the fishery so difficult at times for those unaccustomed to paying attention to those variables. But if things hold, Pickett expects plenty of anglers to head north up near Lake Whittington, as the oxbows up there are well-known for holding some bigger fish – even some Florida strains from stocked ponds connected to them.
In terms of patterns, the fishery is all about visible cover, with tons of willow trees, stumps and laydowns to target with a jig or Texas rig. While a Carolina rig or crankbait off sandbars and points is always likely to put a pro in contention.
In terms of weights, Pickett Jr. says he’s cracked 30 pounds plenty of times on the fishery and still lost. Does he expect that this tournament? No. More like 23-24 pounds to contend … but only if the water is falling. If it’s rising?
“Maybe 15 pounds,” Pickett Jr. says. “That’s the swing, right there, because these fish completely shut off when the water starts rising. But if it’s in a fall, it’s going to be on.”